Mr. Stefka TEXAS HISTORY ROOM: 220 Welcome Parents Mr. Stefka TEXAS HISTORY ROOM: 220 These slides are on my website…feel no pressure to hurry and write down all this information

Why do I teach Texas History? I’m a 5th generation Texan from Czech immigrant farmers The Texas oil boom allowed the first person of my family to go to college My grandfather graduated from UT in the 1940’s My Texas History teacher, who was also my coach, inspired me to teach and coach. I had never tried to make an “A” in a class as hard as his I’m a proud Texan, it’s a pure joy to teach kids why we should be proud of the state we live in.

Email: james.stefka@austinisd.org Direct classroom line: 512-414-1402 Contact Information Email: james.stefka@austinisd.org Direct classroom line: 512-414-1402

What your child needs for class Every student needs to be prepared for class with the following: 9X11 or 8.5x11 spiral notebook Pencil Scissors Colored pencils Glue Stick Planner

Conference Periods 1st period 8:25-9:35

Tutoring Times Any day after school from 3:40-4:10 In my room Room: 220 Students need to notify me ahead of time

Grading Policy Test and Projects 40% Daily Assignments 30% Quizzes 30% Retakes Maximum grade of 70 on any assignment

Late Work 15 points off every day it is late -NEW POLICY AT MURCHSION (turn it in before the end of 6 weeks) Absent? Students will have 1 day for each day they are absent to make up work that was missed Check the website for homework that might have been assigned

Things for your child to look forward to this year Cattle Drive project Students will choose their own cattle drive trail, keep a trail journal, simulate buying and selling cattle for potential profit, and even make wanted signs for cattle stealing bandits Road Trip Around Texas Students choose places they’d like to go on a road trip with their friends. Along the way, they will take pictures of the places they went showing the geography of Texas

Things for your child to look forward to this year Gone to Texas Early settlers came to Texas lured by high quality cheap land. Students will receive acreage and choose how they want to utilize their land to make money. Different scenarios ,that are historically accurate, will show how early settlers in Texas thrived or failed. And much more…

TEXAS HISTORY Geography of Texas Native Americans European Exploration of Texas Mexican Revolution Texas Revolution Republic of Texas Texas Joins the United States Texas in the Civil War Reconstruction Period Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads Texas Oil Boom Texas during the Great Depression Texas Government Current Events

DAILY THINGS TO DO Check the website Look at their planner/agenda Talk to them about things they are learning Check grades